US Rugby Happy Hour Podcast By American Rugby Rising cover art

US Rugby Happy Hour

US Rugby Happy Hour

By: American Rugby Rising
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US Rugby Happy Hour, hosted by the dynamic duo of Bill Baker of American Rugby Rising and John Fitzpatrick of Rugby Morning, is a captivating blend of insightful rugby discussions, entertaining banter, and a celebration of the sport’s spirit. With their wealth of knowledge and infectious enthusiasm, Bill and Fitzy create an engaging space for rugby enthusiasts to connect and revel in the game’s glory. Whether delving into the latest matches or sharing anecdotes with special guests, this live show is a must-attend for anyone passionate about rugby, offering a delightful intersection of camaraderie and sports analysis. Guests have included head coaches Gary Gold, Rob Cain and Mike Friday. USA Eagles Joe Taufete’e, Greg Peterson, Kate Zackary, Hope Rogers, Christian Dyer, and Hall of Famers, Dan Lyle and Todd Clever. Major League Rugby stars Mitch Wilson, Nick Civetta, Connor Mooneyham and former MLR Commissioner, George Killebrew. Those covering the news too, including Brian Ray of Americas Rugby News and Wendy Young of YSC Rugby. Join us live on Facebook and Youtube (show days and times vary), or catch the Podcast replays right here! Follow @AmerRugbyRising on Twitter and @AmericanRugbyRising on Instagram for weekly guest announcements and direct link to the live shows. HOSTS: Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated American Rugby Rising and Eagles Overseas Rugby since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world. http://www.americanrugbyrising.com eaglesoverseas@comcast.net John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. John@rugbymorning.com http://www.rugbymorning.comCopyright 2026 All rights reserved. Politics & Government Rugby
Episodes
  • Emerald City Arrival: Paddy Ryan on Joining Seattle and the 2026 USA Rugby Outlook
    Mar 27 2026
    The episode opens with our upbeat, signature "Happy Hour" jingle, instantly setting a high-energy tone for a conversation that balances veteran wisdom with the excitement of a new chapter. This week, we are joined by loose forward Paddy Ryan as he settles into life in the Pacific Northwest. Paddy discusses the motivations behind his move to Seattle and what it’s like transitioning into one of the most passionate rugby cultures in the country. From the local atmosphere to the expectations of a new fan base, we get a first-hand look at his early days in the Emerald City. As the 2026 season kicks into high gear, Paddy shares his perspective on the competitive landscape of the league and the physical demands of staying at the top of his game. We also dive into the broader future of USA Rugby, exploring his thoughts on the national team’s trajectory and the upcoming international windows. Whether you're a Seattle local or a follower of the Eagles, this episode offers an unfiltered look at the grit and strategy required to succeed in the modern American game. —————————————— 🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! iHeart: bit.ly/3A43Tff Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ZUs7oV Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!! Check out americanrugbyrising.com for the latest on your USA Eagles, schedules, news and more, and visit rugbymorning.com for the latest on ALL rugby! Hosts, Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick are available for media opportunities and appearances. Contact information below. Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated Eagles Overseas Rugby since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world. http://www.americanrugbyrising.com⁠ ⁠eaglesoverseas@comcast.net⁠ John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. ⁠John@rugbymorning.com⁠ ⁠http://www.rugbymorning.com Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • The Future of the Whistle: Luke Rogan on MLR’s New Review System and the 6 Nations Stage
    Mar 12 2026
    This week, we are joined by one of Major League Rugby’s most experienced officials, Luke Rogan. Fresh off a prestigious assignment refereeing the U20 6 Nations in Europe, Luke gives us a front-row seat to the atmosphere of international rugby and the unique pressure of managing the next generation of global stars on some of the game's most historic grounds. The conversation shifts to the cutting edge of the domestic game as we break down the brand-new MLR Referee Review System (RRS). Luke explains how this technology will function on the pitch and its goal of providing a safety net for officials without slowing down the fast-paced action fans love. We also take a look back at the law variations implemented last season to see which changes have truly improved the flow of the game. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the whistle in a professional match, this is the episode for you. 🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! iHeart: bit.ly/3A43Tff Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ZUs7oV Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!! Check out americanrugbyrising.com for the latest on your USA Eagles, schedules, news and more, and visit rugbymorning.com for the latest on ALL rugby! Hosts, Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick are available for media opportunities and appearances. Contact information below. Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated Eagles Overseas Rugby since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world. http://www.americanrugbyrising.com⁠ ⁠eaglesoverseas@comcast.net⁠ John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. ⁠John@rugbymorning.com⁠ ⁠http://www.rugbymorning.com Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • The Jack Hanratty Era: From Olympic Silver to Leading the Eagles
    Feb 19 2026
    Welcome to a special edition of the US Rugby Happy Hour with hosts Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick. This episode kicks off with a high-energy intro jingle in the style of the Beach Boys, perfectly setting the stage for our guest's move to the sunny shores of San Diego. Before diving into the main event, the hosts recap the latest standout performances from USA Women's Eagles playing in Europe, including try-scoring outings by Hope Rogers and Catherine Treder. The heart of the show features an in-depth conversation with Jack Hanratty, the newly appointed head coach of the USA Women’s Eagles 15s program. Fresh off winning an Olympic silver medal with the Canadian Women’s Sevens team, Hanratty discusses his transition from the freezing temperatures of Ottawa to the high-performance environment of Chula Vista. Listeners will get a first look at his coaching philosophy, his views on the historic USA-Canada rivalry, and his vision for finding "Eagles solutions for America’s problems" as the team prepares for the Pacific Four Series and beyond. 🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today! iHeart: bit.ly/3A43Tff Apple: bit.ly/3Uuj9u7 Spotify: bit.ly/3ZxjAa0 Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ZUs7oV Like, follow, and subscribe and please leave a comment!! Check out americanrugbyrising.com for the latest on your USA Eagles, schedules, news and more, and visit rugbymorning.com for the latest on ALL rugby! Hosts, Bill Baker and John Fitzpatrick are available for media opportunities and appearances. Contact information below. Bill Baker, an Emmy award winning editor and producer, has curated Eagles Overseas Rugby since 1996, providing updates and news stories about USA Eagles plying their trade around the world. http://www.americanrugbyrising.com⁠ ⁠eaglesoverseas@comcast.net⁠ John Fitzpatrick is the brain behind Rugby Morning, serving rugby news everyday via email newsletters to rugby fans around the world. ⁠John@rugbymorning.com⁠ ⁠http://www.rugbymorning.com Youtube | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok | Bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    51 mins
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